Shloka 22
Aśvatthāman’s Admonition to Karṇa on Boasting, Varṇa-Duties, and the Threat of Arjuna
Virāṭa-parva, Adhyāya 45
यो5यं काञ्चनसंनाह: पार्ष्णि वहति शोभन: । समं॑ शैब्यस्य तं मन््ये जवेन बलवत्तरम्,यह जो सोनेके बख्तरसे सजा हुआ सुन्दर अश्व बाँयीं ओर पिछला जुआ ढो रहा है, इसे वेगमें मैं शैब्य नामक अश्वके समान अत्यन्त बलवान मानता हूँ
yo 'yaṁ kāñcanasaṁnāhaḥ pārṣṇiṁ vahati śobhanaḥ | samaṁ śaibyasya taṁ manye javena balavattaram ||
Uttara said: “This handsome horse, clad in golden armour and bearing the rear yoke on the left side, I judge to be equal to Śaibya in speed—indeed, even stronger.”
उत्तर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights discernment in assessing strength and speed in a martial context: Uttara evaluates a horse’s qualities by comparison with a renowned standard (Śaibya), reflecting how judgment and preparedness support effective action in moments of danger.
In the Virāṭa episode’s chariot-and-battle setting, Uttara observes a particular horse—described as splendid and equipped with golden gear—and compares its speed and power to the famous horse Śaibya, indicating readiness and appraisal of the team for impending combat.